Are You Prepared?

If you lost your job today would you know how to begin looking for a new one?

Many people are in the unenviable position of having to look for a new job in a tough job market, and although this is not our first recession (nor likely our last) people seem to forget what they learned the last time.

I am hoping you will never need the advice given in today's article, but in case you know someone who does, it will come in handy. Even if your job is secure, you should take these steps to insulate yourself "just in case."

Jobs are tough to find because, in most companies, jobs are already filled before they are posted. Therefore, you need to start looking for another job even before you need one, "just in case." If you are offered a new job, you can always say no if the timing is wrong for you.

Here are some just-in-case steps to take.

Apply for a job, within your company, that is a little out of your reach. This shows HR that you're interested in moving up. When a job becomes available that you are qualified for and able to do, then perhaps they will think about you even before they post it. When I say "a little out of your reach," I mean just a little. Don't apply for a senior management position if you've never been in management.

Stay active within your professional association. Attend at least two meetings a year. Participate in online discussions. Most jobs are filled through networking, so network. If you don't belong to a professional association – join one today. In return for a relatively small investment, you will receive ongoing education as well as networking opportunities. It also tells potential employers that you are serious about your profession and aren't just using your job to pass the time.

Get your professional accreditation, even if you don't need it right now. This is what will distinguish you from any future competition. It may not be needed at (or paid for by) your company, but get it anyway.

Let others know you are looking, or keeping your options open. Ask your friends and family if there are any openings in their organization. Ask them who you should speak to – and then call that person.

Post your resume with the online job databases.

Find yourself a headhunter.

Use the new social media to scout for jobs. I am on all of them (LinkedIn, FaceBook, Plaxo) and can tell you that there are many opportunities posted. Join the groups that interest you, and which are applicable to your profession and your location. You can contact another member individually (which is far more personal) if something interests you. Don't post in a discussion group saying, "Does anyone want to hire me?" You do the looking for a job; don't expect others to look for you.

Treat every interview as if you are going to get the job. Even if you've applied for something out of your reach or know they're going to give the job to someone else, treat the interview as if you will be the successful candidate.

Carry business cards and resumes with you at all times. You never know.

Stay positive. I understand that this is not the time you want to be looking for a job, and that you are worried about paying the rent next week, but don't let your panic show. It also doesn't mean take a month off and go to the beach because you are so much in demand that you can get another job any time, either. Don't complain about looking for another job; you are not the only one (and there are many who are in worse positions than you are. Be thankful you are not a banking executive right now looking for a job).

Keep your skills up to date. I did lose my job in the last recession, and fortunately I had invested in my skills, without expecting my employer to always pay for that training. If you see a training program or course that you think would benefit you in the future, be willing to invest in yourself to get that training. We paint our house because we might sell it one day. We keep the upholstery clean in our car because we might sell it one day. Keep your career in shape, and invest in it, because you can't assume that your company will want or need you until the day you die. Like your house and your car, you want your skills to be worth something in the future.

It is important that we never get lazy professionally. Don't assume it can't happen to you, because it can. Even if you are very secure right now, invest in your profession, invest in yourself, invest in your future.

Keep on-the-right-track to success!

Rhonda Scharf, CSP is a Certified Speaking Professional, Trainer Author.A You can contact her toll free at 1877-213-8606 or visit or for more information.

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